Lectionary 25/01/2026
- Third Sunday after Epiphany-Year A
- Epiphany 3/Ordinary 3 - Year A
Lectionary Readings
Related Products
Paul and the Faithfulness of God - Sources
Paul and the Faithfulness of God - Sources
by SPCK - N T Wright
Part 1: PAUL AND HIS WORLD Chapter One RETURN OF THE RUNAWAY? 2 Philemon and the Study of Paul (v) Sources The first question most historians ask has to do with sources. Here we face a problem as much of scholarly fashion as of historical substance. Since the present volume is de…
Psalms for Everyone - One Thing
Psalms for Everyone - One Thing
by SPCK - John Goldingay
One Thing Psalm 27 Soon after I came to the United States, I attended an inaugural lecture by a man who (we were told) was a full-time pastor and a half-time professor. I laughed because I assumed it was a joke—how could you be a full-time this and a half-time that? (He also told…
Times and Seasons - Full Service - Third Sunday after Epiphany - Year A
Times and Seasons - Full Service - Third Sunday after Epiphany - Year A
by Andrew Pratt and Marjorie Dobson
Third Sunday after Epiphany - Year A Order of Service contains: Opening Hymn: Prayer: Prayer: Fracture Hymn: Reading Isaiah 9:1-4 Hymn: Reading Matthew 4:12-23 Sermon ideas 1 ) Call to speaking 2) Following the carpenter: Hymn: Prayer: Exciting God Hymn: Blessing Andrew Pratt (…
GOSPEL WORDS - Come follow me
GOSPEL WORDS - Come follow me
by Doug Burke
Original Image - Sea of Galilee by Doug Burke Text added by Twelvebaskets Ltd THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to inser…
Follow Me
Follow Me
by Twelvebaskets and Sally Coleman
A composition image created by Twelvebaskets Ltd Original 'Walkers' by Sally Coleman Image layering, blending and text by Twelvebaskets Ltd For details of composition images and accreditation see our Terms & Conditions TIP- PowerPoint Slide The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint…
If I could be sure...
If I could be sure...
by Paul Glass
A short 4 person meditation on the Gospel reading (could be adapted for fewer voices) Matthew 4. 12-23 If I could be sure... 1: You know if I could be sure I wasn’t going to get into trouble... 2: Or be ridiculed... 3: laughed at... 4: made fun of... 1: I might follow him. 2: If …
Four Gospels, One Jesus - Another Moses?
Four Gospels, One Jesus - Another Moses?
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
Another Moses? Beginning ministry, Matthew 3—8.1 In the picture of Matthew in the Lindisfarne Gospels, there is another bearded figure peering out from behind the curtain, holding a book. Some scholars and art historians suggest this might be Moses, with the Law. Certainly, Old T…
Isaiah for Everyone - A Sign of Hope
Isaiah for Everyone - A Sign of Hope
by SPCK - John Goldingay
A Sign of Hope My wife’s son-in-law returned yesterday from one of his recurrent trips to meet with Darfuri refugees in Chad to encourage them, show some interest on the part of people from the United States, and look for ways of advocating for them. The focus of activity on this…
Isaiah 9:2
Isaiah 9:2
by Rev David East
TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- • Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) • Insert as Picture in the normal way. • If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in…
The Act of Prayer Year C - Second Sunday of Lent Year C
The Act of Prayer Year C - Second Sunday of Lent Year C
by BRF - John Birch
Second Sunday of Lent Year C Opening prayer We come together to worship the God of Abraham, the God of Jacob and the God of David. We worship the one true God, creator of all, Lord of all, our strength and hope, our light and our salvation. We come together as family, joined by t…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Baptism, Temptation, Commission
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Baptism, Temptation, Commission
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Baptism, Temptation, Commission To Pharisees (popular teachers who represent not only Jesus’ opponents but also Jewish leaders who retained their own teachings rather than joined the church) and Sadducees (an elite party with Jerusalem and temple connections) seeking his baptism …
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 151
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 151
by Twelvebaskets Ltd
A selection of commentary, reflection and prayer ideas from various Christian authors and the full bible texts from the NRSV for this week's lectionary. NOW INCLUDING SERIALISED BOOKS FROM SPCK AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM BRF. Check below for details. Subscribe to Fresh Thoughts For S…
The Act of Prayer Year B - Second Sunday of Epiphany Year B
The Act of Prayer Year B - Second Sunday of Epiphany Year B
by BRF - John Birch
Second Sunday of Epiphany Year B Opening prayer You speak to us in many ways: in the quiet of our worship, the singing of our hymns, the reading of your word, the fellowship we share. Open our ears and hearts that we might hear your gentle voice and, hearing, respond…
Twelve Months of Sundays Year A - The Third Sunday of Epiphany Year A
Twelve Months of Sundays Year A - The Third Sunday of Epiphany Year A
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Third Sunday of Epiphany - Year A Isaiah 9: 1-4 1 Corinthians 1: 10-18 Matthew 4: 12-23 Was Jesus waiting for a signal? The Gospels agree that he didn’t begin to announce the Kingdom until he heard that John had been arrested. Something about that sinister moment told him tha…
As boats can carve a way through waves
As boats can carve a way through waves
by Andrew Pratt
Epiphany 3 year A Matthew 4: 12 – 23 Hymn; As boats can carve a way through waves As boats can carve a way through waves, so Jesus surged through lives. The challenge that he offered then, disrupts and yet revives... Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, …
A time to reconsider
A time to reconsider
by Andrew Pratt
Epiphany 3 year A Isaiah 9: 1 - 4; Matthew 4: 12 – 23 Hymn: A time to reconsider A time to reconsider, to pause, to reassess; when crisis comes with challenge, how can God come to bless? And yet a light is shining, we cannot understand that at this time of turning God sharpens wh…
Exciting God
Exciting God
by Marjorie Dobson
Epiphany 3 year A Matthew 4. 12-23 Prayer: Exciting God Exciting God, we pray for those people of vision and initiative who place new challenges before us and encourage us to catch their vision. That is not always easy and we do not necessarily greet these ideas with enthusiasm..…
Clouds and Glory Year A - The Third Sunday of Epiphany - Year A
Clouds and Glory Year A - The Third Sunday of Epiphany - Year A
by SPCK - David Adam
The Third Sunday of Epiphany Isaiah 9.1-4: Ps. 27.1 [2-3]4-9: 1 Corinthians 1. 10-18: Matthew 4.12-23 Lord God, you are almighty; in your great power renew, refresh, restore us, that we may live and work to your praise and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive and rei…
Lectionary Reflections Year A - The Third Sunday of Epiphany Year A
Lectionary Reflections Year A - The Third Sunday of Epiphany Year A
by SPCK - Jane Williams
The Third Sunday of Epiphany - Year A Isaiah 9.1–4 1 Corinthians 1.10–18 Matthew 4.12–23 Corinth in the first century was a busy, loud, exciting place. It had been a reasonably wealthy trading centre for a couple of centuries at least, and that had attracted people of many religi…
Intercessions for Years A, B and C Book - Epiphany 3 – Year A
Intercessions for Years A, B and C Book - Epiphany 3 – Year A
by SPCK - Ian Black
Epiphany 3 – Year A Lord, arise and shine Make known your glory. Christ our light, by the seashore you called Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow you. Unite your Church in common purpose to proclaim your Kingdom . . . Taken from Intercessions for Years A, B and C by Ian Black
Imagining the Lectionary: making God Real (Epiphany 3A)
Imagining the Lectionary: making God Real (Epiphany 3A)
by David Perry
Imagining the Lectionary: Making God Real (Epiphany 3A) Reflection accompanying image Making God Real – a new kind of fisherman "Immediately they left their nets and followed him...Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him..." (Matt.4:20,22) Jesus made …
Imagining the Lectionary: Possessive or purposeful? (Epiphany 3A)
Imagining the Lectionary: Possessive or purposeful? (Epiphany 3A)
by David Perry
Imagining the Lectionary: Possessive or purposeful? (Epiphany 3A) Reflection accompanying image Yorkshire Dales with walls, barns and text 1Cor 1:17 These stone walls and barns in Swaledale speak of possessiveness and purpose, ownership and effort, division and integrity. Althoug…
Maker of Life and Lord of Lords
Maker of Life and Lord of Lords
by Andrew T Murphy
A hymn about grace, atonement and discipleship. The hymn would be ideal for Lent or Passiontide, and has a traditional style and metre for use by most congregations. A suggested tune is 'Abridge (St Stephen)' [CM], although there are plenty of others.
Prayers for All Occasions Book - Epiphany Prayer
Prayers for All Occasions Book - Epiphany Prayer
by SPCK - Ian Black
Epiphany Prayer Generous God, everything we are and have comes from you; in adoration we lay before you the sweet fragrance of our worship for you alone are worthy of our praise and thanksgiving... Taken from Prayers for All Occasions by Ian Black Published by SPCK
Luke for Everyone - Opposition to Jesus in Nazareth
Luke for Everyone - Opposition to Jesus in Nazareth
by SPCK - N T Wright
Opposition to Jesus in Nazareth Luke 4.14-30 The commentators were ecstatic after the game. ‘He played like a man inspired,’ they said. What images does that conjure up for you? A sports star, perhaps, running rings round the opposition and scoring a brilliant goal. Or, from a di…
Paul for Everyone 1 Corinthians - Beware of Divisions
Paul for Everyone 1 Corinthians - Beware of Divisions
by SPCK - N T Wright
Beware of Divisions! 1 Corinthians 1.10-17 I was woken up early this morning by beautiful birdsong. Right outside my window some little fellow was chirruping, squeaking and whistling like a virtuoso musician showing off before an admiring crowd. Then others joined in. The trees a…
Paul for Everyone 1 Corinthians - God's Folly
Paul for Everyone 1 Corinthians - God's Folly
by SPCK - N T Wright
God’s Folly 1 Corinthians 1.18-25 On 15 March 44 BC, Julius Caesar was assassinated in Rome, a mile or so away from where I am writing these words. His killers were a group of conservative Republicans who thought, with good reason, that Caesar was planning to make himself king of…
Matthew for Everyone Part 1 - Announcing the Kingdom
Matthew for Everyone Part 1 - Announcing the Kingdom
by SPCK - N T Wright
Announcing the Kingdom Matthew 4.12-17 I once knew a small boy (no, it wasn’t me, actually) who used to telephone people at random. When a voice answered the phone, he would say, ‘Are you on the line?’ ‘Yes,’ the unsuspecting victim would reply. ‘Well, get off quick!’ he would sh…
Matthew for Everyone Part 1 - Jesus Calls the Disciples
Matthew for Everyone Part 1 - Jesus Calls the Disciples
by SPCK - N T Wright
Jesus Calls the Disciples Matthew 4.18-25 If you go to Galilee today they will show you a boat that might have belonged to Andrew and Peter, or perhaps the Zebedee family. In one of the most remarkable archaeological finds anywhere in the Holy Land (which is full of them), a boat…
Open with God Book - January - Epiphany
Open with God Book - January - Epiphany
by Christine Odell
January – Epiphany Calendar of Prayers Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12 Provide a small dish of pound coins, an oil burner and a candle. Place the coins upon a table. God of majesty, the wise men presented the gold of kings to your baby Son, when they offered him homage...
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 33:11, 14, 20
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 33:11, 14, 20
by SPCK - James Jones
Psalm 33:11, 14, 20 This psalm comes to a crescendo with a psalm of praise to the heart of God. His word is true, his works are faithful, he loves justice, he’s made the earth full of goodness and oceans full of treasure. These are just some of the signs of the providence that fl…
There is a season - Epiphany Introduction
There is a season - Epiphany Introduction
by SPCK - Margaret Pritchard Houston
EPIPHANY And we have seen his glory INTRODUCTION Epiphany is a festival that often gets lost, coming so close after Christmas and often being seen as little more than the postscript to the Christmas story itself – ‘and then, twelve days later, three Kings arrived and gave Jesus p…
Snowy scene with sledge
Snowy scene with sledge
by Rose humphrey
TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- • Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) • Insert as Picture in the normal way. • If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in…
Snow Fun
Snow Fun
by Rose humphrey
TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- • Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) • Insert as Picture in the normal way. • If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in…
Psalms for Everyone - God's Commitment Fills the Earth
Psalms for Everyone - God's Commitment Fills the Earth
by SPCK - John Goldingay
God’s Commitment Fills the Earth Psalm 33 Yesterday we went to the beach. It was a foolish venture because it was an August Saturday; I forgot that everyone else would have the same idea and that the parking would be impossible, but in the late afternoon we finally sat on the san…
Psalms for Everyone - I Will Survive
Psalms for Everyone - I Will Survive
by SPCK - John Goldingay
I Will Survive Psalm 34 Our preacher yesterday told us how two years ago she had married a man who was soon abusing her. So after a short while she had to decide to leave him, though it was enough time for her to be pregnant. Thus she soon found herself divorced, jobless, and a s…
LWPT Meditations - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
LWPT Meditations - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
by Susan Thorne
Meditation – Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr A Isaiah 9:1-4 Psalm 27:1, 4-9 Matthew 4:12-23 We almost never read Isaiah chapter 8, and it is not in today’s readings. However, it is worth looking at this chapter before reading the lectionary passage from Isaiah 9, in order to un…
Three Wise Men
Three Wise Men
by Rose humphrey
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Wise man with Gold
Wise man with Gold
by Rose humphrey
TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- • Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) • Insert as Picture in the normal way. • If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in…
Wise Man with Frankincense
Wise Man with Frankincense
by Rose humphrey
TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- • Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) • Insert as Picture in the normal way. • If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in…
Wise man with Myrrh
Wise man with Myrrh
by Rose humphrey
TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- • Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) • Insert as Picture in the normal way. • If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in…
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - Introduction
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - Introduction
by SPCK - N T Wright
Chapter Three ATHENE AND HER OWL: THE WISDOM OF THE GREEKS Introduction Perhaps it was the questions Homer raised and never answered: why the vain Olympians should interfere in Agamemnon’s war; or how air, water, earth and fire combine into a kosmos; how we can be ‘free’; what ma…
The Living God - Images as windows into God
The Living God - Images as windows into God
by SPCK - Alister McGrath
Which God Are We Talking About? 1 Images as windows into God A picture is worth a thousand words.’ Being able to show someone a picture of a beautiful scene, a complicated piece of machinery or a pet cat goes a long way towards making up for the limitations of human words. So per…
Rhythms of remembering - Christmas - Saturday Evening Prayer
Rhythms of remembering - Christmas - Saturday Evening Prayer
by SPCK - Hannah Ward & Jennifer Wild
CHRISTMAS - Saturday Morning Prayer Blessed are you, O God, the strength of my life and my joy. You are the everlasting One, Creator of the ends of the earth. You will not grow faint or weary, and your understanding is unsearchable. You revive the faint and strengthen the weary. …
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The lion and his pride
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The lion and his pride
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
The lion and his pride The role of the disciples A lion must have his pride – and a rabbi, his disciples. However, are Jesus’ disciples his ‘pride and joy’? On the one hand, they are the people Jesus calls to share his roamings and his battles; on the other hand, their attention …
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Book I (Pss. 1-41)
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Book I (Pss. 1-41)
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Book I (Pss. 1-41) Book I opens, in Psalm 1, with words encouraging faithful meditation upon the Torah. The book continues in Psalm 2 with words of warning to the nations and their rulers to recognize the God of Israel as king over all. The psalms are framed (1:1 and 2:11) with t…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Status and Authority in God's Realm
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Status and Authority in God's Realm
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Status and Authority in God’s Realm (1 Corinthians 1-4) In the opening section of the letter, Paul addresses the central problem afflicting the church: divisions among its members into competing groups (1:10). Status competition was endemic to the culture, but it was antithetical…
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Imagining the Lectionary: Held firm and strong (Epiphany 3B)
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Imagining the Lectionary: Held firm and strong (Epiphany 3B) Reflection accompanying images “Held firm and strong 1”, “Held firm and strong 2” and “Held firm and strong 3” The cross-shaped mooring bollards in the photographs convey such a real sense of hefty, unbreakable streng…
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The crisis had come, now they had to decide
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The crisis had come, now they had to decide, to grasp what was safe, or to go with the tide. For Jesus was calling, and what would they say, would their actions say 'yes' or their words ring out 'nay'? He said, 'follow, follow, come on follow me, leave your nets and your lifestyl…
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The Third Sunday before Advent Year B
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The Third Sunday before Advent Year B
by SPCK - Jane Williams
The Third Sunday Before Advent Jonah.3.1-5, 10 Hebrews 9.24-28 Mark 1.14-20 Hebrews is convinced that the work of Jesus is completed in the cross. And not just the work of the Son of God, but the whole providential work of God in creating us in the first place. The cross of Chris…
Jesus Calls Four Fishermen
Jesus Calls Four Fishermen
by Dave Hopwood
A New Kind of Fishing Bible Ref: Matthew 4,8,9 &12; Mark 1-3; Luke 4-6; John 4 & 5 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to…
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Proper 5 Genesis 3: 8-15 2 Corinthians 4: 13-5: 1 Mark 3: 20-35 Things are moving at a relentless pace for Jesus in these early chapters of Mark’s Gospel. Already he is being followed everywhere he goes by large crowds of people. Already he has made bitter enemies out of the loca…
Failure–Reflection on John 1:29-42
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TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- • Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) • Insert as Picture in the normal way. • If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in…
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Proper 5 Mark 3: 20-35 Gaze on the family of Jesus, his mother Mary and his brothers, worried out of their wits by rumours reaching them high in their mountain home in Nazareth. Not only is Jesus upsetting the authorities, but he’s not even looking after himself. ‘He’ll make hims…
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by SPCK - Judith Dimond
Proper 18 Mark 7: 24-37 Gaze on the miles and miles Jesus covers in this story, wandering around the perimeter of Galilee, unwilling to return to where he is so well known. For there, some want him king, and some want him killed. Gaze on Jesus trying to remain unrecognized. Why w…
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GOSPEL WORDS - Come follow me
GOSPEL WORDS - Come follow me
by Doug Burke
Original Image - Sea of Galilee by Doug Burke Text added by Twelvebaskets Ltd THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to inser…
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My Brother - He's a Fisherman!
by Roger Price
This is one of a number of monologues that I have written for use in worship or some other reflective purpose. This one deals with the events of the calling of Peter by Jesus to be his disciple from the point of view of Andrew. My Brother – He’s a Fisherman! Matthew 4: 18-22; Mar…
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Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The Sixth Sunday of Easter Year B
by SPCK - Jane Williams
The Sixth Sunday of Easter Acts 10.44-48 1John 5.1-6 John 15.9-17 The desire for certainty goes very deep, and all of today’s readings look at that longing with sympathy, though the answers they give are as challenging as they are reassuring. In the Gospel, Jesus is at last givin…
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by Tim Pillinger
So, Peter steps out of the boat and heads off to Jesus, walking on the water, just like his master. Then, like Wile E Cyote, he looks down, and realizes what he is doing, and promptly starts to sink. Don't falter. Jesus will have you do it!
Mark for Everyone - The Calling of the Disciples
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by SPCK - N T Wright
Mark For Everyone MARK 1.14–20 The Calling of the Disciples... ...The poet John Betjeman describes in his verse autobiography how his father put pressure on him to follow him into the family business. The young John had no desire to do so; he wanted to be a poet. That’s just a st…
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Hymn: It seemed as if the Lord lived still
by Andrew Pratt
It seemed as if the Lord lived still, expressed his will, the lame could walk, and all assumed the blind would see, the silent ones would start to talk! Yet all they saw when looking round, were Galilean fisher folk, a zealot and some other men, some hazarded it was a joke. Verse…
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by Bridget Banks
A fisherman in a small boat on a calm lake Galilee. TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) Insert as Picture in the normal way. If need…
MARK THE PEOPLE’S BIBLE COMMENTARY - KEEPING on the MOVE
MARK THE PEOPLE’S BIBLE COMMENTARY - KEEPING on the MOVE
by BRF - Dick France
KEEPING on the MOVE MARK 1: 35-39 In these verses we conclude the ‘twenty-four hours in Capernaum’ which began in verse 21. Jesus has been busy teaching, healing, casting out demons, and generally making a formidable impression on the people of this seaside town…
The fisherman 1
The fisherman 1
by Joy Sykes
The call of the disciples TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) Insert as Picture in the normal way. If needed fill the slide area by …
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by Marjorie Dobson
Monologue/Reflection: A year to remember It was a year to remember. The fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. Roman rule and very unpopular. That man Pontius Pilate was in charge of us. Nobody trusted him and he probably didn’t trust himself. It’s rumoured that his wife…
Prince of Peace
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by Ian Harris
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We will hail the name of Jesus, Lord of life, of death and birth; We'll proclaim his healing spirit Over all the wounds of earth: We'll proclaim him, (we'll proclaim him) Over all the wounds of earth. We will stand by Christ for ever, Hail his rising, his return, We'll proclaim h…
Numbers in the Bible Assembly Collection - 5 loaves, 2 fish, 12 baskets Assembly
Numbers in the Bible Assembly Collection - 5 loaves, 2 fish, 12 baskets Assembly
by Christian Assembly Team
Five Loaves, Two Fish and Twelve Baskets (2, 5 and 12) Bible ref: Luke 9:12-17 Introduction What do these stories have in common – The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Three Billy Goats Gruff? Three is the special number. The Bible includes many stories which in…
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The Thankful Leper
by Roger Price
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God's presence was seen in the person of Jesus
God's presence was seen in the person of Jesus
by Andrew Pratt
Third Sunday of Advent Year A Matthew 11: 2 – 11 Hymn: God's presence was seen in the person of Jesus God's presence was seen in the person of Jesus where people found healing and wholeness and grace, miraculous wonders and love without measure, the touch of his hands and the loo…
Numbers in the Bible Assembly Collection - The Paralysed Man Assembly
Numbers in the Bible Assembly Collection - The Paralysed Man Assembly
by Christian Assembly Team
The Paralysed Man (4 and 1) Bible ref: Mark 2:1-12 If you have time find photographs of equipment that help people who are paralysed for projecting in the assembly as a lot of children will not have seen the items before... Story About the same time that Jesus was born in Bethleh…
Hymn: He felt exhausted, worn and drained
Hymn: He felt exhausted, worn and drained
by Andrew Pratt
He felt exhausted, worn and drained, his muscles and his mind were taut. He needed solitude and rest from pressures that his care had brought. He needed time to set aside the burdens that he chose to hold. To find again God's peace and grace, to warm a heart that might grow cold.…
At A Baptism
At A Baptism
by Norman J Goreham (1931-2021)
This hymn is based on a bidding in the baptismal liturgy of the Anglican Church in New Zealand and Polynesia. The use of the word "treasures" reflects the Maori understanding of "taonga" meaning possessions or valuables, treasures belonging to a heritage that must be preserved at…
Intangible strands bind your people together
Intangible strands bind your people together
by Andrew Pratt
Intangible strands bind your people together, as one in your Body, so wonderf'lly made, close joined by humanity, sisters and brothers, yet fractured and broken, you find us dismayed; For we have not trusted the person of Jesus, the risks that he took, the example You gave. When …
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - Proper 19 Year B
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - Proper 19 Year B
by SPCK - Judith Dimond
Proper 19 Mark 8: 27-38 Gaze on a group of men and women, looking forward to supper, walking casually along the road towards Caesarea Philippi. What are they talking about – the weather, perhaps or the latest lovesick comrade, or maybe the political scandal of the continued occup…
Mountain-top, imagination?
Mountain-top, imagination?
by Andrew Pratt
Mountain-top, imagination? Time for meeting face to face? Peter, James and John were praying, now they stand confused by grace. Shining in this mystic moment stands the one they know as friend, now exalted God incarnate, this they strain to comprehend. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: HYF…
Drama/monologue: Peter’s mother-in-law
Drama/monologue: Peter’s mother-in-law
by Marjorie Dobson
Drama/monologue: Peter’s mother-in-law (the introduction is in the style of that unique old comedian, Rob Wilton – for those old enough to remember him! Anyone who doesn’t may simply omit the first eight words of this piece! It is written with a Northern accent in mind – Jesus an…
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - Proper 2 Year B
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - Proper 2 Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
Proper 2 2 Kings 5.1–14 1 Corinthians 9.24–27 Mark 1.40–45 Naaman’s wife’s maid knew more about Elisha’s healing powers than the king of Israel. All the king could do was tear his clothes and rage against his Syrian counterpart, suspecting that a request for healing was a disgu…
Reflection: Samaritan believers
Reflection: Samaritan believers
by Marjorie Dobson
Reflection: Samaritan believers …? It must have been a shock, hearing that Samaritans had accepted the word of God. They were the ancient enemies. Their territory was treated as a foreign land. The dispute between their two factions had been bitter and long-standing. There was do…
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - Proper 2 Year B
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - Proper 2 Year B
by SPCK - Jane Williams
Proper 2 2 Kings 5.1–14 1 Corinthians 9.24–27 Mark 1.40–45 Mark’s Gospel is almost certainly the oldest of the four Gospels. Matthew and Luke seem to know it and depend upon it for some of their information, though they do also have independent sources of their own. It is possibl…
Hymn: There was no respite from the crowds
Hymn: There was no respite from the crowds
by Andrew Pratt
There was no respite from the crowds, no place of calm retreat, no place of rest or solitude where he and friends could meet. They sought the healing of his hands, the calm within his voice, his challenge or his empathy gave reason to rejoice. Verses 3-4 follow Tune: ABRIDGE; BEL…
Lectionary Reflections Year A - The Last Sunday after Trinity Year A
Lectionary Reflections Year A - The Last Sunday after Trinity Year A
by SPCK - Jane Williams
Lectionary reflections - Year A Ordinary Time The Last Sunday After Trinity Leviticus 19.1–2, 15–18 1 Thessalonians 2.1–8 Matthew 22.34–46 1 Thessalonians is almost certainly the oldest document in the New Testament. As in so many other things, Paul is a pioneer. It is hard for u…
Drama: People of Nazareth
Drama: People of Nazareth
by Marjorie Dobson
Drama: People of Nazareth This can be performed by seven people – six reading a sentence from each section and one concluding with the Bible quotation, or any number that is available. I knew him when they first came here, when there were all those rumours about her being an unma…
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - The Second Sunday Before Lent Year B
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - The Second Sunday Before Lent Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Second Sunday Before Lent Proverbs 8.1, 22–31 Colossians 1.15–20 John 1.1–14 Eyebrows will be raised at the reappearance of John’s prologue so soon after Christmas. But our surprise at the lectionary’s turns and twists is nothing to that launched upon the world by John’s fa…
Hymn: Strange magic? No, the grace of God
Hymn: Strange magic? No, the grace of God
by Andrew Pratt
Strange magic? No, the grace of God. A healing signified the facts: that in the Spirit's way and style, disciples mirrored saving acts. The steps of Jesus led the way, this carpenter, once nailed to wood, and though the crowds rejected him, now Peter stands where he once stood. V…
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - The Fourth Sunday before Advent Year B
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - The Fourth Sunday before Advent Year B
by SPCK - Judith Dimond
The Fourth Sunday before Advent Mark 12: 28-34 Gaze on Jesus still in the Temple after hours of debate. Imagine him standing in the outer Temple courts where the doves are fluttering and goats bleating and penned ready for sacrifice. Five hundred years old, the Temple is the gold…
Walking
Walking
by Sally Coleman
TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) Insert as Picture in the normal way. If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in the t…
Numbers in the Bible Assembly Collection - Forgiveness 70 times 7 Assembly
Numbers in the Bible Assembly Collection - Forgiveness 70 times 7 Assembly
by Christian Assembly Team
Forgiveness – Seventy times Seven Bible ref: Matthew 18:21-35 There’s quite a lot in this assembly so you will have to keep it moving or edit as you feel necessary... Today we are going to be thinking about forgiveness. What does the word “forgive” mean? (Establish a child-friend…
The Godhead, Our Friend
The Godhead, Our Friend
by Norman J Goreham (1931-2021)
This hymn is based on words in the 14th-century English spiritual treatise The Cloud of Unknowing: "He may well be loved, but not thought. By love he may be gotten and holden, but by thought never." "Beat evermore on this cloud of unknowing that is betwixt thee and thy God with s…
This rock raised above all others
This rock raised above all others
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: This rock raised above all others Proper 16 year A Matthew 16: 13 – 20 This rock raised above all others: 'Peter, here I build my church'. So we hear the words of Jesus, though this rock would shake and lurch. Peter was a human being, filled with insight, seeing clear, clos…
Lectionary Reflection Year C - Proper 9 Year C
Lectionary Reflection Year C - Proper 9 Year C
by SPCK - Jane Williams
Proper 9 Isaiah 66.10–14 Galatians 6.1–16 Luke 10.1–11, 16–20 Luke 8—10 sets out a very interesting mission strategy. In chapter 8, Jesus himself goes through towns and villages, curing people, and gathering huge crowds to hear his stories and see his miracles. Then in chapter 9,…
Numbers in the Bible Assembly Collection - Jesus Heals 10 Lepers - KS2 Assembly
Numbers in the Bible Assembly Collection - Jesus Heals 10 Lepers - KS2 Assembly
by Christian Assembly Team
Jesus Heals Ten Lepers Assembly KS2 Bible ref: Luke 17:11-19 This is excellent as the first Assembly in January although can be used at any time of year to emphasise how we should be thankful for all we have. Story Our story today is about a group of people who wanted something v…
Numbers in the Bible Assembly Collection - Jesus Heals 10 Lepers - KS1 Assembly
Numbers in the Bible Assembly Collection - Jesus Heals 10 Lepers - KS1 Assembly
by Christian Assembly Team
Jesus Heals Ten Lepers Assembly for KS1 Bible ref: Luke 17:11-19 This is excellent as the first assembly in January although can be used at any time of year to emphasise how we should be thankful for all we have. Story Our story today is about a group of people who wanted somethi…
Gazing on the Gospels year c - Proper 1 Year C
Gazing on the Gospels year c - Proper 1 Year C
by SPCK - Judith Dimond
Proper 1 Luke 5.1-11 Gaze on a shoal of fish. Imagine the weight of herring that used to be caught in the nets of the North Sea trawlers. Nets that have been torn at sea and mended countless times by patient, rough hands. The fish shine in the sunlight as they wriggle on deck. Th…
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - Proper 9 Year B
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - Proper 9 Year B
by SPCK - Judith Dimond
Proper 9 Mark 6: 1-13 Gaze on all the preparations we make for a journey these days. Count the suitcases, shoulder bags, plastic bags, camera cases and picnic hampers that we pile into the back of the car. Today we even need ‘SatNav’ to find our way for us. Gone are the days when…
Golden Harvest
Golden Harvest
by Joy Sykes
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How could this man from Nazareth
How could this man from Nazareth
by Andrew Pratt
How could this man from Nazareth speak with such power and heal the sick, he spoke with great authority, the healing might have been a trick? But those who came were healed, made well, and what he said was common sense, yet spoken in a way well honed, the word of God, the present…
I will make you fishers of people
I will make you fishers of people
by Rev David East
TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- • Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) • Insert as Picture in the normal way. • If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in…
Meditation - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Meditation - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
by David Middleton
Meditation – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr A A new fishing boat? Matthew 4: 12-23 There was something about John’s message that just couldn’t be ignored; I was a sinner, and so was everyone else; it hurt my pride… and most everyone else’s too, but it was true. So it came as no g…
Take up your cross and follow me
Take up your cross and follow me
by Rev David East
TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- • Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) • Insert as Picture in the normal way. • If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in…
Mark The People's Commentary - More Healings
Mark The People's Commentary - More Healings
by BRF - Dick France
More Healings Once again Mark allows us a brief respite from the breathless series of amazing events. This more general summary of what Jesus was doing in Galilee at this period, like that in 3:7–12, shows us that the relatively few specific miracles which he has included in his …
Fishing nets
Fishing nets
by Tim Pillinger
This pile of nets made me think of the calling of Jesus' fist apostles, where he challenges Peter, Simon, Andrew and James to become Fishers of Men. On the other hand, Jesus spends much of his time near the sea, and themes of fishing appear in other parts of the gospels. He hel…
Flawed and fickle priests and people
Flawed and fickle priests and people
by Andrew Pratt
Flawed and fickle priests and people - hymn Third Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30 Flawed and fickle priests and people, like young children playing games, running, squabbling, teasing, laughing, calling one another names. But the children's understanding Jesus t…
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 118 29/05/16
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 118 29/05/16
by Twelvebaskets Ltd
A selection of commentary, reflection and prayer ideas from various Christian authors and the full bible texts from the NRSV for this week's lectionary. NOW INCLUDING SERIALISED BOOKS FROM SPCK AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM BRF. Check below for details. Subscribe to Fresh Thoughts For S…
The waters were divided
The waters were divided
by Andy Lindley
Exodus 14:21-22 21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, 22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their…
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - Proper 10 Year B